2002 BMW 5 Series (first used 2002) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 67.3% of BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. Across 6,962 5 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2002 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2002 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 5 Series cars first used in 2002 against all cars first used in 2002 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 5 Series figure was 7.8 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2002 5 Series | All cars first used 2002 | 5 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 61.3% | 54.4% | 3,485 |
| 2022 | 63.2% | 56.2% | 3,110 |
| 2023 | 65.3% | 57.5% | 2,673 |
| 2024 | 66.1% | 58.0% | 2,273 |
| 2025 | 67.3% | 59.5% | 2,016 |
Common 2002 BMW 5 Series MOT failures
Share of the 2,358 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 14.0% | 331 |
| Headlamp aim: too low | 12.8% | 303 |
| Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 10.9% | 258 |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid | 10.2% | 241 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 7.0% | 166 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2002 BMW 5 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2002 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2002 5 Series cars, as a share of all 6,962 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 21.3% | 1,486 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 18.1% | 1,257 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 14.4% | 1,003 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 11.1% | 774 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 7.3% | 510 |
Questions about the 2002 BMW 5 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2002 BMW 5 Series?
In 2025, 67.3% of 5 Series cars first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2002 5 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 42.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (36.3%) and brakes (36.0%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (14.0%).
How often does a 2002 BMW 5 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 32.7% of first tests on 5 Series cars first used in 2002 did not pass first time: 27.6% failed, and a further 5.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,358 of 6,962 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2002 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 21.3% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (18.1%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (14.4%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (11.1%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (7.3%).
Is a 2002 BMW 5 Series reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 61.3% in 2021 to 67.3% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2002
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2002 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2002 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2002 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2002 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2002 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2002 5 Series?
The numbers above cover every 5 Series first used in 2002 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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